The T.R.U.T.H. Project Hosts Community Discussion on the Arts and Activism

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ARTivism is a community driven discussion used to empower and educate local artists on the importance of understanding the value of their voice and how art can affect social awareness and change.

"I was inspired by the recent events in the news to initiate a discussion among local artists about the artistic voice in activism," says Kevin Anderson, the T.R.U.T.H. Project Founder. "The tension and vulnerability in the community makes me think of art as a form of self-care by giving people something creative to connect with as an expression of feelings and emotions they may not be able to put in their own words right now."

Artists across the nation are using their talents to give voice and perspective within the current social/ political climate. Recent coverage of current events has shown protesters carrying artistically designed signs or wearing shirts that show their support or express their views. Some people are making use of their cell phone to become the photographers and videographers who capture the essence of some of the most poignant moments not always captured by mainstream media. Spoken word artists are giving account and summaries of their observations through poetic pros.

"Social art and creative intellect inspires innovation, drives culture, and reveals the emergence of thought leaders in the arts community," says Anderson. "I believe those leaders are the people who will help find ways to affect positive change."

"These are very intense times for all of everyone," says Anderson. "Artistic expression has a constant presence as a backdrop, an equalizer, an anchor, and even a tool to guide the thoughts and emotions of everyone across the Nation."

Featured panelists include visual, performance and spoken word artists: Tiffany Scales, Angela Guillory, Shawn Artis, Corinna Delgado, and Nick Muckleroy. The event will include visual art displays by Houston artists: Veronique Meggett, Shawn Artis, and Mark Arceneaux as well.

Kevin Anderson is a Houston poet and emcee who has worked as an HIV/ AIDS prevention specialist for more than 10 years. His avid appreciation for the arts led to him start HeART & Soul, a monthly open mic poetry and live music showcase serving LGBTQ artists and allies for the past seven years. His expanding audience led to the development The T.R.U.T.H. Project where he is working to commission artists to produce issue based works.

The T.R.U.T.H. Project was founded in 2011 as a Houston based community mobilization initiative focused on utilizing various art forms to educate and empower the LGBTQ community and allies by addressing pertinent issues to support healthy lives.

Since its inception, The T.R.U.T.H Project has reached more than 5,000 attendees and continues to grow. Performances are held quarterly and have addressed issues such as bullying, domestic violence, and depression. The Texas State Department of Health recognized the efforts of the T.R.U.T.H. Project and its founder, Kevin Anderson, to use the arts as a vehicle for information, awareness, and access to resources, and awarded a grant that allowed him to extend his outreach by partnering with national recording artist such as Marsha Ambrosius and Chisette Michele. He has also served as a consultant in other cities interested in starting similar initiatives.

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ARTivism is 6:30 p.m. through 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 28 at Montrose Center, 401 Branard Street. For more information, please visit TruthProjecthtx.org. Free.